From Bach to Havana and Bach: Classical Music Meets Cuba | Nachito Herrera | TEDxPaloAlto

Nachito Herrera is one of the world’s great Cuban pianists. He blends jaw-dropping technique and rich, powerful soulfulness in an amazing display of musical power and emotion. Herrera received a nod from the state of Minnesota in 2014 when he was named an Immigrant of Distinction, and an American Heritage Award from the American Immigration Council, one of three musicians in 2012 (along with Australian Tommy Emmanuel and South Korean Yura Lee) to receive this prestigious prize. (The last Latin musician to receive the honor was Carlos Santana.)
Herrera has played multiple times at the preeminent piano festival in North America, the Gilmore Festival. In 2011 Herrera was part of a 40-city tour of American performing arts centers and theaters as the pianist in the Afro-Cuban All Stars.
Ignacio “Nachito” Herrera’s talent was recognized early on; he performed Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Havana Symphony Orchestra at age 12. Herrera revisited that experience in October and November of 2012, appearing again with the Havana Symphony and playing Rachmaninov while on a tour of the U.S.
Combining Western Classical music with traditional Cuban rhythms, Herrera has been at the forefront of an exciting renaissance in Cuban music. While in his twenties, Herrera took the job of Musical Director at the famous “Tropicana” nightclub in Cuba, playing every night and deepening his repertoire. He spent the late 1990s touring with ¡Cubanismo!, serving as lead pianist, arranger,and musical director as they toured the world.
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[@davestahl6676]

Nice guy, too...I had the honor of tuning a piano for him at the San Jose Jazz Summerfest 2018 yesterday. He's amazing!

[@metatranka]

Toca el piano como si tocara las congas.. que mostro!!.. buenisimo..

[@diazwalby]

Bravo Nachito, magnifica presentacion musical, Abrazos, Herminio

[@michaelreed6070]

I saw him on April 13th 2018 @ The Dakota Jazz club in Minneapolis. I had a Cuban espresso with a lemon twist. It was an amazing night.

[@janeanhall7832]

This is wonderful dear friend! Congratulations! God has truly blessed you.

[@ericbuhl]

Cheers from Minnesota!